TNT's Beauty: The "other" Heart of Port of Spain

This week's journey took me to a place that all of us know but may not truly appreciate for all that it is. It has played a very significant role in the Trinidad we know today.

Are you wondering where can this place be????? I'm talking about the "other" heart of Port of Spain; The Queen's Park Savannah. The world's largest and greenest traffic roundabout located just north of the capital city of Port of Spain.

These 296 acres of greenery holds a lot of historical and cultural significance to this place we call home. The Savannah was originally part of a Sugar cane plantation called Paradise Estate up until the early 1800's. It was bought over in 1817 by then Governor Sir Ralph Woodford and deemed a place of recreation, exercise and amusement for all to enjoy. It is today still known for its recreational and cultural purposes amongst other things.

This 200 year old park has seen the likes of animal grazing, sporting events, Carnival celebrations, a horse racing track, an exercise space and even survived the 1934 landing of Graf Zeppelin; a German airship.

(Sang about by Calypsonian Atilla the Hun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-xcUzC0LXM)

Not only is this space one of our national treasures but its surrounding landscaping and architecture also have a great story to tell. With surrounding sites such as (NAPA) the National Academy for the Performing Arts, Knowsley Building, the Memorial Park, The Botanical Gardens and most notably a group of architecturally flamboyant style of mansions termed the Magnificent Seven.

These are; Queen's Royal College, the residences of the Anglican bishop and the Roman Catholic archbishop, Whitehall, the office of the Prime Minister, Mille Fleurs, Roomor, and Stollmeyer's Castle.

The QPS offers beautiful scenery, architecture, recreation, sports, Carnival, history, culture and so much more. What else can you ask of a perfect vacation destination?????